Hedge Bindweed
- Convolvulus sepium L.
- Convolvulaceae
- Morning-glory family
Common Names
 Devil's vine
Field bindweed
Great bindweed
Hedge lily
Hsuan-hua
Lady's nightcap
Rutland beauty
Trailing bindweed
Parts Usually Used
Flowering plant, rootstock
Description of Plant(s) and
Culture
Hedge bindweed is a perennial herbaceous vine; the trailing or twining stem is glabrous, angular, and from 3-10 feet long, growing from a creeping rootstock. The leaves are alternate, sagittate, on slender petioles. The flaring, funnel-shaped flowers are white or pink with white stripes and grow solitary on long, quadrangular peduncles from the leaf axils from June to October.
Another variety: Field bindweed (C. arvensis) is a creeping vine; leaves are arrow-shaped, lobes are sharp, not blunt, 1-2 inches long. Flowers are white or pink, to 1 inch long. Blooms June to September. Native Americans used cold leaf tea as a wash on spider bites; internally, to reduce profuse menstrual flow. In European folk use, flower, leaf, and root teas considered laxative. Flower tea used for fevers, wounds. The root is the most active part; strongly purgative.
Also, there is an herb called Wild Jalap (C. jalapa) very similar to the Hedge bindweed.
Where Found
Grows in waste places, thickets, and cultivated ground in the eastern half of the United States and in all of Europe.
Medicinal Properties
Cholagogue, febrifuge, purgative
Uses
Used primarily as a purgative but it helps reduce inflammation of mucous membranes and reduces fevers. The powdered root or a decoction made from the plant is used for the above listed. The fresh juice should be taken in small quantities only; in large quantities it produces constipation. Like all strong purgatives, hedge bindweed is not for extended use.
Formulas or Dosages
Decoction: boil 1 tsp. flowering plant in 1 cup water. Take 1 tbsp. at a time, as needed.
Juice: take 1/2 tsp., once or twice per day.
Powdered rootstock: take 1 level tsp., once or twice per day.
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